St. Joseph
Catholic School

Psalm 118

R     Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.

Let the house of Isreal say,
     "His mercy endures forever."
Let the house of Aaron say,
     "His mercy endures forever."
Let those who fear the Lord say,
     "His mercy endures forever."     R

I was hard pressed and was falling,
     but the Lord helped me.
My strength and my courage is the Lord,
     and he has been my savior.
The joyful shout of victory
     in the tents of the just.     R

The stone which the builders rejected
     has become the cornerstone.
By the Lord has this been done;
     it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the Lord has made;
     let us be glad and rejoice in it.     R

From the Principal

Dear Parents,

The St. Joseph students and their families offer huge thank you to the following individuals who gave up part of their weekend to park cars for the Strawberry Fest. Mac Barrient, Melanie Ekenwalch, Glen Ernst, Michelle Ernst, Terri Laterade, Chris Wisecarver, Kristi Wisecarver, Trey Earhart, John Ryals, Cindy Ryals, Shelly Ernst, Joy Castro, Eric Thibodeaux, Keith Boudreaux, Tammy Wilson, Greg Wilson, Elaine Landry, Stacy Bankston, George Waddell, Toni Waddell, Michelle DuFreche, Elaine LeBlanc, Harry LeBlanc, and Kirk Jackson. Special thanks to Jeff Schmitt for organizing the parking and to Crystal Smith for her roll in making it a success.

The net income for the weekend was $14,922.00. That money will be used to benefit the students at St. Joseph. It will help pay for the improvements planned for next school year.

The eighth grade has returned to the fold and all reviews of the trip indicate that the students had a wonderful time. We thank Mrs. Mercer, Mr. Jay, Mrs. Little, and Mrs. James for accompanying them on the trip. A special thanks to Mrs. Mercer for making all the arrangements. You can see pictures and read blogs of the trip on the website.

-- Dr. Gerard Toups

Calendar for the Week

Thursday, April 15
Reconciliation (3rd)
Free dress ONLY FOR THOSE WITH PASSES - These are children of volunteers for the Spring Fair and Strawberry Parking. Please see the guidelines in this newsletter for dress choices.

Friday, April 16
Mass 8:30 - All are invited.
Eighth Grade retreat
Spirit Dress

Monday - Thursday, April 19-22
Terra Nova Testing Grades 2-8

Monday, April 19
H & S officer nomination forms due

Thursday, April 22
Reconciliation (3rd)

Friday, April 23
Mass 8:30 - All are invited.
Spirit Dress
Crusaders announced
Pep Rally
Spring Parade (Mardi Gras parade)
Sock Hop 7:00-10:00 Grades 5-8

Monday - Friday, April 26-30
Spring Break - No school.

Monday, May 3 - Friday, May 7
Teacher Appreciation Week

Monday, May 3
Tuition/Loan papers due to school office

Tuesday, May 4
Home & School Meeting 6:30 in Gym

Thursday, May 6
Music Concert 7:00 in Church

Friday, May 7
Mass 8:30 - All are invited.
Spirit Dress
Adopt-a-Child Collection
May Crowning
Crusader Luncheon
Accelerated Reader Deadline

Home & School News

The next Home & School meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 4, at 6:30 in the Gym.

The nomination form for Home & School Association officers for 2010-2011 is being sent home today. They are due back into the school office by Monday, April 19. 

Please take time to carefully consider who might be an effective leaders for our active parent organization.

Sock Hop

The Home & School Association are sponsoring a sock hop for students in Grades 5-8 on riday, April 23, from 7:00-10:00 p.m. in the school gym. Admission is $10 per person. The theme is "Luau".

Students may wear long shorts, Capri pants, jeans, dresses, Hawaiian shirts, floers, bright colors, etc. No spaghetti straps, low cut backs or fronts, half shirt, bikini tops, etc. will be allowed. Please dress respectfully.

Students may bring ONE outside guest of the same grade and age. 

The $10 admittance fee includes the D.J., soft drinks, and snacks. Pictures will be available in $5 and $10 packets.

May Crowning

IN THE PICTURE - from left, Morgan Brown, Callie Fulmer, Alexa LeSaicherre

The month of May is dedicated to Mary. On Friday, May 7, we will honor Mary by crowning Our Lady's statue at our weekly Mass. 

Alexa LeSaicherre , Morgan Brown, and Callie Fulmer have been selected to do the honors.

Terra Nova Testing

During the week of April 19-23, students in Grades 2-8 will be taking the Terra Nova Standardized Tests. 

It is very important that students come to school this week. It is very difficult to make up these tests. Students should arrive at school ON TIME, well-rested, and well-nourished in order to do well on the tests. 

Results from the tests are used to help determine class placement in the fall in all grades. 

Fourth Grade results help determine placement in the advanced math classes which could eventually lead to an Algebra I high school credit in the Eighth Grade.

Seventh Grade results help determine placement in the English I class which could also lead to a high school credit before leaving St. Joseph's.

April 15

As a thank-you to students whose parents worked the Spring Fair and Strawberry Festival Parking, they receive their free dress day on Thursday, April 15.

These students should bring their free dress day pass to their teachers at the beginning of the day.

Clothing must be appropriate to the values of St. Joseph School. No shorts may be worn. Blue jeans may not have holes in them. Shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Dresses and skirts must be of appropriate length. Too tight clothing, crocs, high heels, boots, and sandals may not be worn.

Rule of thumb --- If you think it wise to pack optional clothing in case what is worn does not pass the guidelines, choose to wear something else.

April 23

Friday, April 23, is a busy, busy day at St. Joseph School!

The morning starts with Mass at 8:30. All are invited to join us. Crusaders for April will be announced at Mass.

Students may wear their Spirit Dress with uniform shoes and socks.

Following Mass we will have a pep rally in the gym.

Starting at 1:00, the spring parade (re-scheduling of the Mardi Gras parade) will roll in the church parking lot.

Dismissal is at regular time.

Students in Grades 5-8 are invited to participate in a sock hop from 7:00-10:00 that evening in the school gym.

Community News

CAMP KATERI

Tangipahoa's best kept secret is back!

Rosaryville will again sponsor its summer camp for boys and girls ages 8-12.

Two sessions will be held this summer: June 20-15 and July 18-23. This promises to be a fun-filled week of activities gearred to developing body, mind, and spirit.

The cost is $395 per child for overnight stays. Day camp is $265. Family discounts are available for two or more children attending the same camp.

There is limited space, so plans should be made now to reserve a spot.

More information can be had by contacting Jay Day, camp director, at 225-294-5039. The website also contains information..

Rosaryville is located at 39003 Rosaryville Raod in Ponchatoula.



HOOPSTERS BASKETBALL CAMP

Hoopsters Basketball Camp will be held June 14-17 from 9:00-noon in the St. Joseph Gym. The camp is open to girls ages 5-12 and boys ages 5-10. 

Early registration is $50. Late registration is $60. 

Enrollment is limited.

Each camper will rceive a camp t-shirt and basketball. Refreshments will be solde throughout the week.

Registration forms are available in the school office.

More information can be had by contacting Kristi Gill at 985-507-4778.

St. Joseph Parish News

Parish Website

REGULAR MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday evening at 5:00

Sunday morning at 8:00 and 10:30

Sunday evening at 5:00

Prayer for Priests

The Year for Priests 2009-2010

Dear Lord,

We pray that the Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around Your priests and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry.

We pray that Mary will guide Your priests to follow her own words,
"Do whatever He tells you." (Jn 2:5)

May Your priests have the heart of St. Joseph, Mary's most chaste spouse.

May the Blessed Mother's own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross.

May Your priests be holy, filled with the fire of Your love, seeking nothing but Your greater glory and the salvation of souls.

Amen

St. John Vianney, pray for us